How to Conquer Your Fear of Change

BY Lisa Wyckoff February 19, 2019

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin

Recently social media has been bombarded with 10-year photo challenges.

People are posting pictures of themselves to show how much they have, or have not, changed in the past ten years. It seems the ultimate goal of the challenge is to not have changed much over ten years.

Really?! The “goal” is to NOT have changed in ten years?!

We have been led to believe that change is bad, change is scary, and that changing is a negative thing.

“You’ve changed” are dreaded words that have ended many relationships.

It is time to CHANGE the way we see CHANGE.

Change is not the enemy. Being stuck and afraid of change is.

Being afraid holds us back. Change propels us forward.

Fear stops us in our tracks and can prevent us from taking the steps needed to live our most fulfilled life. It is time to let go of fear and embrace change.

Here are some ways to conquer your fear of change and open yourself to new possibilities:

1. Get rid of absolutes.

There is no right or wrong. There is only opportunity to learn and grow. If something doesn’t go the way you want or expect, do not see it as a failure but as an opportunity to try again a different way.

2. Take baby steps.

Change doesn’t have to be huge or happen all at once. Change can happen in small increments. Take small steps every day to reach your ultimate goal. There is no need to change everything all at once. Baby steps are better than no steps at all.

3. Take your time and have a plan.

Change doesn’t have to happen overnight. Create a solid plan for what changes you want to make and then take your time making them. It takes the earth 365 days to circle the sun... some things take a little longer, don’t rush it.

4. Seek support.

Surround yourself with like-minded people who support the changes you want to make. You are much more likely to reach your goals with support. If the people around you don't support your efforts, find new people.

5. Accept uncertainty.

The only way to know the outcome is to make the change and find out. There is no way to know for sure how the result will turn out. But life is so much better lived growing and changing than it is being stuck. If things don't work out exactly how you planned, apparently the Universe has a different plan.

6. Trust the Universe.

The Universe has your back, trust it. Believing in the Universe makes changes a lot easier. You may not end up where you thought you would (or maybe you will), but you will end up where you are supposed to be.

7. Feel it.

Allow the idea of change to be exciting. Lose yourself in the eagerness and excitement of possibilities.

8. Only look ahead.

Once you decide to change, go for it 100%. There is no looking back or second-guessing yourself.

9. Have confidence.

Even if you still have some fear, don't let the fear overwhelm you. Have confidence in your decision.

10. Let go.

Dig deep to figure out the real reason you are afraid to change. Any feeling or energy that isn't serving you or your highest purpose must be released.

Embrace change. Be brave. Be confident. Don't let fear hold you back from living your life’s purpose. Being stuck and afraid of change is the "old" 10-year challenge. Let’s flood social media with the new 10-year challenge that celebrates how much we have changed. And the next time someone tells you, “You’ve changed,” simply respond, “Thank you!” Because that is indeed something to celebrate!

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Lisa Wyckoff

Lisa Wyckoff is a wife, mom, teacher, avid reader, runner, lover of learning and an Integrative Transformational Life Coach. She is on the journey of personal development with the ultimate goal of empowering herself and others through the power of positivity, confidence, and balance. You can read more articles like this one, or find out more about working with Lisa, on her website: lisawyckoff.com